Boss reflects on another away defeat
It is a problem that has plagued Pompey’s season.
Andy Awford’s side have been unable to match their impressive home form whenever they leave Portsea Island.
And there was a case of déjà vu at Prenton Park as the Blues fell to a 3-1 defeat against Tranmere.
Shamir Fenelon’s early goal was cancelled out by Jed Wallace after the interval, but that was as good as it got.
James Rowe restored Rovers’ lead before Max Power stayed alert to secure victory after his spot-kick had been saved by Paul Jones.
And it left Awford with a very familiar feeling as he assessed yet another defeat on the road.
The Blues boss said: “We didn’t start the game particularly well and to concede so early from a set-piece is very disappointing.
“But there were a few things sorted out at the break and we were much improved in the second half.
“We got the goal in a period of the game when we were on top and thought we could go on and win it.
“But we haven’t – we’re in the same situation with no points yet again.
“We were in the ascendency and trying to keep the momentum flowing, but switched off and when you defend like that you’re going to get punished.
“We scored, which is something we haven’t done for a while on our travels and had a few more chances.
“But it’s plain to see that we’ve still got an awful lot of work to do because our away form could define our season.”
Pompey were also dealt a couple of injury blows as Jack Whatmough limped off midway through the first half, while Ryan Taylor also departed in the second.
Awford said: “Jack’s got a knee injury and it’s something he’s had before, so we’ve got to get to the bottom of that as soon as possible.
“You don’t want to have to make an enforced change so early in the game.
“Ryan went off with an ankle problem, so that’s something we have to assess as well, but I thought he was excellent.
“He was our best player in the first half by an absolute mile and it was disappointing that he had to come off so early in the second.”